United Nations commemorates International Volunteer Day

In recognition of the International Volunteer Day, on 5 December, the United Nations (UN) awarded volunteer caps to the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) who are currently serving in Jordan. Luc Stevens, the Resident Representative of UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Jordan, said International Volunteer Day is a good opportunity to recognize the efforts of all volunteers who have selflessly provided their expertise to improve the lives of others through volunteer activities.

In 1985, the United Nations General Assembly designated 5 December as an annual celebration of voluntary action by people, communities and governments of the world. International Volunteer Day (IVD) is for volunteers of all walk of life working in communities around the globe.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN focal point for volunteerism. It is administered by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and pursues distinctive contributions to development through better access to opportunities, improved services delivery, greater inclusion and participation, and partnership with communities. UNV advocates the benefits of civic engagement and integrates volunteerism into development planning. It also mobilizes volunteers in support of development objectives.
Presently, there are 12 UNV volunteers, providing complementary interventions to the efforts of the UN system at large in the country in the areas of youth development, gender equity, human rights, poverty reduction, ICT development, and the monitoring of the Millennium Development Goals.

Voluntary efforts shall be continuously supported and promoted as we continue to make our progress towards realizing our promise of the MDGs, and as we move further towards delivering as one UN, said Mr. Stevens.

For more details, visit the IVD website: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/int-l-volunteer-day.html